An electrically tunable achromatic polarization rotator has been developed based on the hybrid splay-twist (HST) and hybrid-aligned super twist (HAST) liquid crystal. The continuous angular rotation, and achromatic operation across the entire visible spectrum. The tuning range of the polarization rotator is up to 90° or to 180° and the degree of linear polarization (DOLP) remains. Based on the HST-LC, the multi-functional smart glass is realized with light field, dimming and scattering control. This work provides possibilities in the design of optical systems and spatially polarization multiplexing elements. The designed smart glass provides novelties in smart (green) architecture.
An electrically tunable achromatic polarization rotator has been developed based on the hybrid splay-twist (HST) liquid crystal. The proposed polarization rotator is advantageous over the conventional ones owing to the thin thickness (sub-100μm), continuous angular rotation, and achromatic operation across the entire visible spectrum. The tuning range of the polarization rotator is up to 90° via a simple electric field application; meanwhile, the degree of linear polarization (DOLP) remains. The rotation angle can be expanded to 180° by a tandem-cell geometry. The work will offer possibilities in the design of various optical systems and spatially polarization multiplexing elements.
We present the results from recent studies of field-induced reconfiguration of defect network in Blue phase liquid crystals leading to the formation of new stable lattice structures from their natural self-assembled cubic form [Nat. Materials https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-019-0512-3]. The dynamical evolution of the defect network and reorientation provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms and roles played by various factors, especially the form of applied field for efficient lattice transformation. Recent studies with optical field derived from CW or short-pulsed lasers further demonstrate the possibility of direct reconfiguration/reorientation of the bulk crystals.
Blue phase liquid crystals (BPLC) are self-assembled 3D photonic crystals with high dynamic tunability. We review our recent progress on dynamic tuning of BPLC’s photonic band gap, crystal symmetry and orientation by electric field and light. With negative dielectric anisotropy, electrically induced switching between [110]- and [200]-oriented BPI states can be achieved through a transient flow state induced by electro-hydrodynamic instabilities. In dielectrically positive polymer-stabilized BPLCs, applying a DC electric field will induce a stretch of the lattice along the field direction, resulting in a bandgap red-shift of over 200 nm. Such a field-induced stretch can also induce chirped lattice spacing along the field axis in samples fabricated under a different photopolymerization condition, leading to an effective expansion of the photonic bandgap. With chiral azo molecular switch doped in polymer-free BPLCs, reversible lattice dilation and phase transition from simple cubic to body-centered cubic symmetry can be induced by light. These techniques bring about many new possibilities of blue-phase photonic crystals for photonic applications.
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